I have just finished reading That was Then, This is Now by S.E. Hinton. It is about two juvenile delinquents, Bryon and Mark, who were best friends from young and they started to grow apart as they got older. After several incidents, like the killing of one of their friends, Charlie, a bartender, made them changed their views. Also, with Bryon's girlfriends' brother going missing, Bryon starts spending more time searching for her brother than with Mark. This was when he discovered a shocking discovery about Mark. You may wish to read the whole book to discover the ending.
This book which was written in 1967, still seems very true to us, even if gang fights are not common in Singapore. There may be social segregation because of different social status. Also, because the poor people in society are left out, they turn out to crminial acts to obtain money. This book talks about friendship, priorities and growing up, which will definitely leave a lasting impression on your memory. Overall, this is a highly recommended book by me because you can really see the darkness and loneliness of a segregated society through the eyes of a gangster.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
My interview with Jem Finch after the verdict for Tom Robinson's trial was out:
Q: Mr Jem, you were seen crying after the trial. Why?
A: I was too frustrated and too emotional when I realised that the all-white jury would choose to convict and innocent man. I am shocked to realise that the people in Maycomb are prejudice towards Negroes and would just convict a man based on his skin colour. I am still utterly stunned because I thought that the people of Maycomb were the best folks in the world. I was wrong.
Q: So Mr Jem, I can see that you detest injustice. May I ask you what is your stand towards racial prejudice?
A: I did not know that racial prejudice existed in this county because I have not seen anything like this before. Maybe I have, now that I come to realise, that the world sees what you are on the outside, not caring about the character of the person.
Q: Can you give me a few examples of racial prejudice in Maycomb County?
A: Yes, for example, I remember that during my visit to First Purchase Church, a woman came up to me and scolded Calpurnia, my cook, for bringing me to an all- black church. This is the first time I have experienced racial prejudice but I did not take note of it at all.
Q: Your father, Mr Finch, would be filing for an appeal for Tom Robinson. Do you think that his chances of success is high?
A: I am not too sure, now that I have seen how people can reject all evidence and base their verdict on their skin colour. I wish that someday this mentality about Negroes that they lie, cheat and are immoral, would change. I do know black people who present themselves better than white people.
Q: Do you know that this is the first time the jury took more than 15 minutes to come out with a verdict? In fact, it took around 6 hours. Do you see a positive outlook for fair trials for all, including Negroes?
A: This is an interesting question which I have not thought of. This is certainly something positive which I can take away from this trial, and I hope that there would be more people like my father who will have the moral courage to work towards fair trial for all.
Q: Your father displayed moral courage in this situation. Are your ready to take on his role to fight for fair trial for all?
A: That is a challenge I would definitely want to take on.
With that, I conclude my interview. Thank you Mr Jem for your cooperation.
Q: Mr Jem, you were seen crying after the trial. Why?
A: I was too frustrated and too emotional when I realised that the all-white jury would choose to convict and innocent man. I am shocked to realise that the people in Maycomb are prejudice towards Negroes and would just convict a man based on his skin colour. I am still utterly stunned because I thought that the people of Maycomb were the best folks in the world. I was wrong.
Q: So Mr Jem, I can see that you detest injustice. May I ask you what is your stand towards racial prejudice?
A: I did not know that racial prejudice existed in this county because I have not seen anything like this before. Maybe I have, now that I come to realise, that the world sees what you are on the outside, not caring about the character of the person.
Q: Can you give me a few examples of racial prejudice in Maycomb County?
A: Yes, for example, I remember that during my visit to First Purchase Church, a woman came up to me and scolded Calpurnia, my cook, for bringing me to an all- black church. This is the first time I have experienced racial prejudice but I did not take note of it at all.
Q: Your father, Mr Finch, would be filing for an appeal for Tom Robinson. Do you think that his chances of success is high?
A: I am not too sure, now that I have seen how people can reject all evidence and base their verdict on their skin colour. I wish that someday this mentality about Negroes that they lie, cheat and are immoral, would change. I do know black people who present themselves better than white people.
Q: Do you know that this is the first time the jury took more than 15 minutes to come out with a verdict? In fact, it took around 6 hours. Do you see a positive outlook for fair trials for all, including Negroes?
A: This is an interesting question which I have not thought of. This is certainly something positive which I can take away from this trial, and I hope that there would be more people like my father who will have the moral courage to work towards fair trial for all.
Q: Your father displayed moral courage in this situation. Are your ready to take on his role to fight for fair trial for all?
A: That is a challenge I would definitely want to take on.
With that, I conclude my interview. Thank you Mr Jem for your cooperation.
This is my diary entry to Mayella Ewell:
Dear Ms Mayella,
How could you be wicked enough to frame someone else for your sin? You have broken the code of society by kissing a Negro, Tom Robinson, and you have to bear the consequences. Instead, you have cooked up a tale and attempted to win the sympathy of the jury by crying and potraying Atticus as a monster. You are a big girl, and you are cunning enough to potray yourself as weak and vulnerable.
What have come over you to lie about your sin? Is it to protect your father's image, or yours? Or it could be both, as you risk that the people of Maycomb will marginalise the Ewells and their generations further. However, if you were brave enough to frame Tom Robinson, you would be brave enough to admit to your mistake. By framing Tom Robinson, you are definitely going to win this case because you are White. I am utterly furious and frustrated with your behaviour and your lack of moral courage.
You did not only convict Tom Robinson, you also convicted his family and the Negroes. If you are still unaware of the trouble you are causing to so many people, then I will tell you: These people who are close to Tom Robinson, will suffer injustice together with him because of your ignorance of the consequences of his conviction. I urge you, Ms Mayella, to admit your mistake in the court of appeal, and free this man who has done no harm to you or the White society.
Dear Ms Mayella,
How could you be wicked enough to frame someone else for your sin? You have broken the code of society by kissing a Negro, Tom Robinson, and you have to bear the consequences. Instead, you have cooked up a tale and attempted to win the sympathy of the jury by crying and potraying Atticus as a monster. You are a big girl, and you are cunning enough to potray yourself as weak and vulnerable.
What have come over you to lie about your sin? Is it to protect your father's image, or yours? Or it could be both, as you risk that the people of Maycomb will marginalise the Ewells and their generations further. However, if you were brave enough to frame Tom Robinson, you would be brave enough to admit to your mistake. By framing Tom Robinson, you are definitely going to win this case because you are White. I am utterly furious and frustrated with your behaviour and your lack of moral courage.
You did not only convict Tom Robinson, you also convicted his family and the Negroes. If you are still unaware of the trouble you are causing to so many people, then I will tell you: These people who are close to Tom Robinson, will suffer injustice together with him because of your ignorance of the consequences of his conviction. I urge you, Ms Mayella, to admit your mistake in the court of appeal, and free this man who has done no harm to you or the White society.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)